Summary: Develops new business relationships. Analyzes and underwrites the most complex and/or largest dollar value commercial loans, most of which involve important customers. Approves loans within established guidelines and lending authority. Maintains portfolio of existing customer relationships. May provide guidance to less experienced commercial lenders.
Job Responsibilities:
- Develops new business by contacting potential customers and following up on leads. Cross sells Bank products and services.
- Interviews loan applicants. Analyzes financial and related data for credit worthiness and merits of loan requests. Establishes terms and approves loans within lending authority or recommends approval to senior management. Informs customers of Bank decisions.
- Maintains performing commercial loans. Interacts with most important customers to maintain and enhance business relationships
- Monitors delinquencies and evaluates problem loans. Analyzes benefits of restructuring or legal collection action that may include foreclosure. Negotiates and develops action plans for repayment of problem loans or Implements foreclosure or other form of legal collection action. Estimates financial impact on the Bank.
- Maintains a current knowledge of local and national economic, financial, political and legislative trends. Determines the possible impact on commercial lending activities.
- Assists in the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports and the forecasting of loan balances.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business related field. Master’s degree in finance, business or economics preferred;
- Minimum of 10 years experience as a Commercial Lender;
- Formal credit training required;
- Local business experience specifically within South or Central New Jersey with potential market expansion;
- Strong C&I, Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and Construction (CON) expertise is required;
- Must have the ability to develop and retain C&I CRE & CON loan business;
- Must be able to produce assigned loan volume as set annually;
- Must ensure and maintain asset quality of loan portfolio;
- Excellent decision making and problem solving abilities;
- Thorough knowledge of lending regulations required;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to deal effectively with customers, attorneys, realtors and other financial institutions as well as all levels of Bank personnel;
- History of community involvement through volunteerism and/or representation with charitable organizations;
- Excellent organizational, follow-up and time management skills.
Columbia Bank offers the following benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Rx which are contributory.
- Bonus programs.
- Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP).
- Life Insurance, Long Term Disability and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (LTD&AD&D).
- Paid Time Off (PTO) which includes Personal and Vacation Time.
- Paid Sick Time.
- Bank Holidays.
- Employees may participate in the 401k program.
Schedule:
- This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule: 3 days in the office and 2 days work from home, based on business needs. This arrangement may change without notice.
Columbia Bank and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
Skills Required
- Bachelor Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business related field
- Master's degree in finance, business or economics
- Minimum of 10 years experience as a Commercial Lender
- Formal credit training
- Local business experience within South or Central New Jersey
- Strong C&I, Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and Construction (CON) expertise
- Ability to develop and retain C&I, CRE & CON loan business
- Ability to produce assigned loan volume as set annually
- Ensure and maintain asset quality of loan portfolio
- Thorough knowledge of lending regulations
- Excellent decision making and problem solving abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with customers, attorneys, realtors and financial institutions
- History of community involvement through volunteerism or charitable representation
- Excellent organizational, follow-up and time management skills
What We Do
You can Count on Columbia for all your personal banking needs in New Jersey. We’re more than just a bank – we’re your personal banker for life. As the largest independent bank in New Jersey, Columbia Bank is motivated by forming long-term relationships with our customers. Our team of experienced banking professionals provides our customers and the communities of New Jersey with unprecedented service and financial security. With conveniently located full-service branches in New Jersey, we believe that’s why individuals and families across New Jersey Count on Columbia to manage their personal bank accounts. Already have a personal bank account with us? We also offer business banking services, with the same service standard and financial stability that guide our personal bank account management. Whether we are helping you achieve your financial goals or helping the communities we serve through volunteering or our Columbia Bank Foundation, we strive to make Columbia Bank a place you can count on. Better Community Banking Starts Here.






